MURPHY — Father George Martin Kloster Jr. has been called “a priest for the people” by those who knew and worked with him – as well as an intellectual, world traveler, and man who served God and his parishioners, using whatever resources he had to make the lives of others better.
So when Father Kloster saw an opportunity to provide long-term support for the two churches he led for 15 years prior to his retirement in 2013, he took full advantage of it. Using the proceeds from the sale of his home in his estate, he created two Father George Kloster Endowment funds. One funds the general needs of St. William Parish in Murphy and one funds the general needs of its mission, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Hayesville.
“Father Kloster was completely committed not just to the churches and the two communities in the counties they serve, but to the whole community,” said Bob McGinnis, a 30-year parishioner in Hayesville. “He was a man who opened his arms to everyone and served on so many important community organizations that had an impact in both communities.”
George Martin Kloster Jr. was born on Oct. 28, 1943, in Utica, New York, and moved to Clayton at the age of 10, where his father was the manager of a textile mill. He studied theology at the Pontifical North American College and was ordained on Dec. 20, 1968.
His generous spirit extended beyond his local parish. He served on the North Carolina Council of Churches in many capacities, including as president from 1986 to 1988, and received its Distinguished Service Award in 1991.
In 2013, he was named Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year, and a portion of U.S. 64 in western North Carolina was named in his honor – the “Rev. George Kloster Highway” – recognizing his commitment to church, civic and community affairs in Clay and Cherokee counties.
He loved to travel and led several pilgrimages. Don Stillwagon, who was on the building crew at St. William Parish, developed a friendship with Father Kloster and accompanied him on several trips, including a cruise through the Adriatic and later through Europe.
“When we landed in town, there would normally be an old historic church and Father would have Mass,” recalls Stillwagon. “He would link the progression of Christianity in the region to his homily. He had done his research.”
His intelligence was coupled with a call to serve, said Stillwagon. “He didn’t want one of his parishioners needing a hand and him not know about it.”
“He was down to earth and he was committed, but he definitely was a man of God who loved the community. He didn’t just preach the gospel, he lived it,” added McGinnis.
Father Kloster died in 2020, but those he served will never forget him.
“This is the 23rd endowment named for a priest or bishop in our diocesan foundation,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “Most of those endowments were established in the priests’ estate plans. Just like Father Kloster, more and more individuals are leaving real estate gifts in their estate plans. Contributing to or starting an endowment in the name of a priest or a bishop who has impacted them is a wonderful way for parishioners to ensure the legacy of these men who have dedicated their lives to serving others.”
— Courtney McLaughlin
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish or Catholic school? You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..